Prediction: Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund

Verdict: Both teams to score in the second-half

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what looks set to be a season-defining showdown on Saturday evening, Bayern Munich will welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich

Starting with the hosts, while Bayern Munich might have punched their Champions League quarter-final ticket on March 3rd thanks to a 3-0 romp against French heavyweights PSG, that was not enough to save Julian Nagelsmann from the chop. In what was a stunning announcement last weekend, the reigning German champions parted ways with the one-time RB Leipzig boss and they will get a new era underway on Saturday evening. Appointing Thomas Tuchel and desperate for the ex-Chelsea boss to hit the ground running, Bayern face a real battle if they are to defend their domestic crown in 2023. Marking their return from the fortnight interval chasing a one point deficit, the Bavarians will also be seeking some recent stability. Heading into the international break with a 2-1 loss away at Bayer Leverkusen, Tuchel’s new squad will be glad to make a return to home soil here. It should be highlighted, Bayern have won each of their last four appearances at the Allianz Arena – a run that has seen them muster 13 strikes.

Team News

Dealing with a back issue prior to the international break, Bayern Munich are sweating over the fitness of Erc Maim Choupo-Moting this weekend. Likewise, long-term injury absentees Manuel Neuer and Lucas Hernandez still remain on the sidelines.

With Tuchel potentially looking to shake things up on Saturday evening, the likes of Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry will be hoping for a full recall here. Despite failing to bag a domestic strike so far in 2023, Sadio Mane should lead Bayern’s attack.

Borussia Dortmund

As for the visitors, although Borussia Dortmund might have been left heartbroken as they watched their Champions League adventure come to an abrupt end against Chelsea on March 7th, Edin Terzic’s side have only continued on a domestic romp this season. Marking their return from the international break holding a one point advantage over their bitter rivals, the one-time West Ham coach will be desperate for his side to make a crucial title statement in Munich. Last seen heading into the fortnight interval with a stunning display as they cruised their way to a 6-1 romp at home against Koln, the mood in BVB’s camp should be at a real high. With many around rural Germany believing this is finally Dortmund’s time to claim a first Bundesliga crown since back in 2011, Saturday’s guests are unbeaten in each of their last 11 straight domestic appearances. With that run stemming all the way back to before the World Cup’s winter break, Terzic’s men have also gained a reputation for their free-scoring displays.

Team News

One-time Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is available to make his return after serving a one-match suspension prior to the international break. BVB are also hopeful that German international Julian Brandt will be able to make his return from a thigh injury.

Bagging a brace in Dortmund’s 6-1 romp against Koln on March 18th, Sebastien Haller will spearhead Terzic’s attack this weekend. Likewise, with five domestic strikes in his last six appearances prior to the fortnight interval, Marco Reus will have a key role to play in Munich.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on October 8th, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund played out a 2-2 draw at Signal Iduna Park.
• The defending German champions are unbeaten in each of their last nine straight domestic meetings against BVB – a run that stems back to August 2019.
• Likewise, Tuchel’s new squad have also won each of their previous six meetings against BVB on home soil.
• However, Dortmund are unbeaten in each of their 11 domestic matchups across all competitions since returning from the World Cup’s winter break.
• Each of the last seven meetings between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Shocking many across Europe as they welcomed Tuchel to the Allianz Arena last week, the ex-Chelsea boss will be desperate to get his tenure underway with a title statement on home soil. Marking their return from the international break chasing a one point deficit to Saturday’s guests, Bayern know that they face a major Bundesliga tussle over the coming months. Watching Dortmund enter the fortnight interval with a 6-1 romp at home against Koln, BVB have only continued on a remarkable domestic romp since returning from the World Cup’s festive break. Quickly gaining a real reputation for their free-scoring displays, chances should come thick and fast here. In a showdown that always produces fireworks, we are expecting a similar action-packed battle in Munich.

Verdict: Both teams to score in the second-half

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Unibet